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WHEN Indian-born Rohith Kallem watched his first AFL game he didn't understand all the rules, he admits.

Since then he has come a long way and he is now one of the Eastern Swans most dedicated players.

He was first introduced to the sport when he was living in Melbourne, after he won tickets to a big game at Etihad Stadium two years ago.

"The Saints and Fremantle were playing. I didn't know any of the rules though the atmosphere was fantastic," Kallem said.

"My love of the game grew from this point on."

AFL Queensland Mackay development officer Dion Obst said Kallem was one of the club's most improved players. Obst said a quick history check had determined that Kallem was the first Indian-born player in the history of Mackay AFL.

"He is one of our most dedicated players and he has improved immensely over the season," Obst said yesterday.

Obst said Kallem had an infectious personality and had quickly become a "club hero".

"He kicked his first goal in one of our final games of the season," Obst said. "It was a close game, his goal put us in the lead to win.

"He was very excited and his goal celebration had everyone watching up on their feet."

Since joining the club, Kallem hasn't looked back.

"My fitness was terrible, though the boys pushed me along and helped me to improve my kicking and lose a few kilos," he said. At the moment Kallem is back in India visiting his family for a couple of weeks.

He said he was planning on taking his AFL footy back home with him.

"I want to teach my friends and family how to kick and handball," Kallem said.